Why choose Stainless Steel by Paige Stainless?
Paige Stainless Australian-made stainless steel drainage channels deliver superior performance, enhanced safety, lower environmental impact, and outstanding lifecycle value with reduced whole-of-life cost thanks to unmatched durability and minimal maintenance. Stainless steel lasts over 30 years in harsh environments, with up to 80% lower maintenance costs compared to traditional materials.
A growing number of architects, developers and trades across Australia are switching from Galvanised Steel to Stainless Steel by Paige Stainless for their drain channels!
There’s a strong industry trend towards stainless steel drainage—particularly in civic, hospitality, transport, and marine sectors—driven by demands for higher slip resistance, increased load ratings, precision installation, and robust sustainability credentials. Paige Stainless drainage solutions are now the go-to for high-profile Australian projects where safety, durability, and aesthetic continuity matter most.
What makes Stainless Steel drainage channels manufactured in Australia by Paige stainless better?
- Engineered and fabricated to precise tolerances for seamless, swift installation and perfect fit every time.
- Choice of advanced slip-resistant and pedestrian-safe designs, featuring industry-leading heel guard grating.
- Delivers superior strength, stability, and is built to endure decades—even in high-traffic areas.
- Minimal maintenance required thanks to outstanding corrosion resistance.
- Fully customisable: manufactured to specified curves, angles, linear runs, and architectural finishes.
- GreenTag certified for environmental responsibility—100% recyclable with a reduced carbon footprint.
Head-to-head comparison: key factors
| Criteria | Stainless Steel | Galvanised Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Weight and handling | Lighter and easier to handle and transport | Heavier, may require lifting equipment |
| Installation | Precision fit, rapid install, easy customisation | May need on-site adjustments, less precise |
| Cutting/processing safety | Safer: does not produce hazardous dust, cool cuts | Risks from zinc dust and sharp burrs |
| Durability and longevity | 30+ years lifespan, no flaking or chipping | 5-15 years before corrosion or coating loss |
| Corrosion resistance | Exceptional, even in marine/coastal settings | Prone to rust once coating compromised |
| Load capacity and strength | High, engineered to AS 3996 Class B–D | Moderate, coating may chip under loads |
| Cost (initial) | Slightly higher upfront investment | Lower initial outlay |
| Cost (whole-of-life) | Low—minimal maintenance/replacement needed | High—repainting, repairs, more frequent replace |
| Maintenance | Infrequent cleaning, fast inspections | Regular recoating, rust spot treatment |
| Environmental impact | 100% recyclable, GreenTag certified | High energy coating process, less recyclable |
| Heat and fire resistance | Non-combustible, excellent performance | Susceptible to coating burn-off, not as stable |
| Chemical resistance | Withstands aggressive chemicals and solvents | Vulnerable where coating breaks down |
| Safety (slip, conductivity) | Slip-resistant grates, custom heel guard profiles | Less advanced slip options, can be slippery |
| Aesthetics and versatility | Sleek, architectural finish, fully customisable | Industrial look, limited by straight sections |
Stainless Steel Drainage Channels by Paige Stainless
- What they do: Provide efficient water drainage with unmatched reliability, designed for demanding Australian environments.
- How they work: Made to order in precision-engineered modules, installed in continuous or complex linear runs, or with bespoke curves and angles.
- Where they are made: Proudly manufactured in Queensland, Australia, in advanced production facilities.
- How they are made: Laser-cut, welded, polished, and assembled by skilled tradespeople to exacting AS/NZS standards, with quality control throughout.
- Environmental impact: 100% recyclable, minimal manufacturing waste, GreenTag certified for sustainability leadership.
- Installation process: Supplied ready to install with minimal site cutting, detailed installation guides, and technical support from Paige Stainless’ experts.
- Features: Advanced slip resistance options (heel guard, slip-rated grates), custom architectural finishes, complete modularity.
- Performance: Class-leading durability, corrosion, and chemical resistance. Capable of meeting high AS 3996 load ratings. Withstand harshest coastal and urban exposure.
- Lifespan: 30+ years even in extreme environments, with extremely low maintenance.
- Pricing: Higher initial cost, but delivers the lowest cost for total lifecycle and maintenance—delivers decades of service.
Galvanised Steel Drainage Channels
- What they do: Channel stormwater and surface runoff in industrial or basic infrastructure projects.
- How they work: Fabricated from steel with a hot-dipped galvanised coating applied for corrosion resistance. Usually manufactured in set straight lengths with limited customisation.
- Where they are made: Often imported or made from mass-produced sections in Australia.
- How they are made: Assembled from prefabricated parts, galvanised after assembly—risking uncoated joins, edges, or damage during transit/install.
- Environmental impact: Requires energy-intensive zinc coating, less recyclable due to combined metals and potential contaminants.
- Installation process: May require on-site cutting and grinding (risks hazardous zinc dust), more challenging to fit precisely in curved or complex runs.
- Features: Basic; limited to standard grate profiles, lower slip resistance options, and standard finishes.
- Performance: Prone to corrosion if coating is damaged, moderate load bearing, less suited to coastal/marine locations.
- Lifespan: Usually 5–15 years depending on environment and maintenance, susceptible to rust once coating degrades.
- Pricing: Cheaper upfront but significantly higher replacement/repainting and maintenance costs over the drainage lifecycle.
FAQs: Stainless Steel vs Galvanised Steel
- Which material is better for most applications?
Stainless steel typically outperforms galvanised steel in durability, safety, corrosion resistance, and whole-of-life value—making it the preferred option for high-use and critical infrastructure. - Can Stainless Steel by Paige stainless meet Class B–D load ratings under AS 3996?
Absolutely, Paige Stainless channels are engineered and independently tested to meet stringent AS 3996 load ratings, including Class B, C, and D for heavy traffic and public spaces. - How does slip resistance compare in wet areas?
Stainless steel grates from Paige Stainless are available with certified slip-resistant surfaces and pedestrian-safe profiles, confidently exceeding wet area safety requirements. - What are the maintenance requirements over a 10–20 year lifecycle?
Typically, stainless steel requires only periodic cleaning and minimal inspections—no recoating or major repairs—unlike the regular upkeep required for galvanised steel. - Is Stainless Steel suitable for custom design like curves and architectural details?
Yes—Paige Stainless are specialists in fully customised drainage solutions, offering made-to-measure curves, angles, junctions, and finishes to match any architectural vision.
Ready to specify Stainless Steel?
For technical guidance, project pricing or custom fabrication support—including bespoke curved systems and site-specific drainage—contact the Paige Stainless team to discuss fully compliant, Australian-made drainage solutions that are purpose-built to outperform and outlast.
- Technical data and certifications available on request (AS 3996 load classes, slip resistance to AS 4586, accessibility to AS 1428.2, and sustainability credentials)
